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Nopal Cactus,(1), (2) also known as “Prickly Pear,” “Indian Fig” or "Barbary Fig" is scientifically categorized as Opuntia Spp, a generic name referring to over 200 species of the Opuntia cacti family.

Nopal Cactus (Prickly Pear) Origins

Since the Pre-Columbian period, the native people of the Americas, Aztecs, Zacatecas, Tepehuanes, Chichimecs, and Coras have utilized the fruits and green stems of the Nopal cactus(Prickly Pear) as food.

Archeological research using Carbon-14 dating techniques found human coprolites (preserved feces) containing the remains of Nopal cactus dating back as far as 65 B.C. Another source of information about Nopal's many uses by people in the ancient times can be found in the journals of the missionaries who worked in the region, in the Spanish conquistador's messages to their leaders and in the native documents which survived destruction during the cultural cleanse ordered by Mexico's Spanish archbishop.

The Aztecs used Nopal cactus(Prickly Pear) for building materials, food, making glue, firewood, strengthening mortar, stiffening cloth and for religious rituals.

The tuna or the Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) fruit is boiled then combined with honey, which is known to help in curing respiratory tract infections. The fruit of the Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) is eaten to help with such conditions as arteriosclerosis, diarrhea, and a sore throat.(3)

The Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) pads can be used as heating pads to reduce swelling, muscle pains, muscle aches and are also utilized for dressing wounds and/or cuts.(4) The pads' gel or sap can be applied to bruises, burns, and cuts.

Pureed or ground young Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) is used as a laxative while a paste out of Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) is used to treat toothaches. The Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) sap is known to alleviate pain and to soften the skin.(5)

1. Body Pain & InflammationBetalains(7)are one of nature's most potent weapons in the war against pain and inflammation. These compounds are super-charged anti-inflammatories that may work to keep your body in shape and healthy, the way nature intended!

As a bonus, Betalainsmay also alleviate the pain associated with inflammation.(9)

2. Diabetes SupportOnce called "America's epidemic," this disease is characterized by a reduced sensitivity to insulin. While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed by lifestyle changes such as attention to diet and exercise.(10) Chronic inflammation is one of the often overlooked aggravators when it comes to diabetes. The betalains in Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) may help via reducing low-level inflammation in the body.(11)

3. Promote and Support Increased Energy, Stamina, Vitality and Mental AwarenessThere's nothing better than feeling refreshed and energized all day long. Many people have the misconception that being tired at the end of the day is a natural, regular part of life—it's not! Nopal Powder Capsules (Prickly Pear's) potent nutrients and betalains may promote increased energy.

4. Depression SupportDepression is one of the most common mental illnesses in America. It has been reported that about 9.5 million Americans suffer from some depression almost every six months.(12)

Depression has no boundaries. Rich, poor, overweight, thin, young or old, depression does not discriminate!

One of the common symptoms that depressed people have is a lack of energy and a feeling of lethargy. Nopal Powder Capsules - Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) may provide you with that boost of energy, so you're more apt to get up off the couch and go exercise. Exercise creates endorphins and endorphins are what make you feel amazing after a good session at the gym. They're also responsible for the famous 'runners high' that many endurance athletes feel.

5. Cardiovascular Support Heart Disease is one of those illnesses they call a 'silent killer.'(16) That's because there's usually no indication that anything is wrong until you have a heart attack! Heart disease has a strong genetic component, and even healthy gym-goers and runners are at risk. The antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) may promote excellent heart health. Your heart is your most important muscle: you owe it to yourself to keep it healthy.

6.Support For YourHigh CholesterolAre You Horrified About Your HighCholesterol Levels?Do You Shiver At The Very Thought Of Having Cardiac Problems?Do You Long For Those Good Old Days, When Your Health Was Under Control?

You're at the doctor's office patiently waiting for the results of your blood work. In walks your doctor. You know by the look on his/her face that something isn't quite right. He/She tells you your cholesterollevels are high enough to cause some real concern and you need to take immediate action now to reverse the situation before it becomes too late.

7.May Promote Urinary Tract Bowel Function and Prostate HealthIncontinence happens in both men and women but for different reasons. In men, the prostate can enlarge (benign hypertrophy) resulting in irregular urination. In women, a decrease in muscle tone causes the muscles that control the bladder to become weak. Both of these conditions result in urine being 'left behind,' so to speak, which can lead to bladder infections.

9. Weight ManagementDo You Shy Away From Handsome People Who Flaunt Their Fat-Free Muscular Bodies?Do You Find It Embarrassing To Shed Your Clothes At The Swimming Pool?Frustrated With What You See In The Mirror?

Studies show that being overweight plays a major role in health risks such as heart disease, respiratory problems, and hormonal imbalances.(18)

Over 66% of Americans are overweight by at least 20 pounds. Obesity is at an all-time high as America becomes the fattest nation on the face of the earth.(19)

Most of us could stand to lose a few pounds or at the very least start down the road to a healthier lifestyle. We have become a nation dependent on fast food and quick-fix pre-packaged foods to accommodate our busy lifestyles.

Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) may help to ramp-up your metabolism, turning you into a fat-burning machine. Combined with exercise and a proper diet plan you may be able to shed off those unwanted pounds.

The soluble fibers found in the Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) are hemicellulose, pectins polysaccharides, mucilages and gums and are used to delay the intestine's glucose absorption. The Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) fibers, lignin, and pectin also decrease one's appetite or satiety which is a significant factor in controlling obesity (weight management).

If a patient is allergic or sensitive to psyllium (which is a well-known fiber supplement taken orally for the cleansing of the colon), Nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) is a fantastic and gentler alternative.

10. Eye HealthYour eyes are precious. Human beings are wired to get most of their information about the world around them from visual stimulus. So, make sure you protect your vision!

Cataracts(20) and glaucoma(21) are two diseases that can be brought on by excess exposure to harmful UV rays. Always wear eye-protection (even in the winter!). Also, make sure you consume our Freeze Dried Nopal Powder Capsules (Prickly Pear) supplements for their antioxidant properties which may help support proper eye health.